Taste the Tropics

Hard up for a summer escape? When you reach for a cold one, grab a beer that takes you to a far-off place with hammocks in the water, crystal-clear blue seas, and gentle island breezes. You might even forget these tropically inspired brews were made locally

Revelry Brewing and Asheville’s Burial Beer Co., Naturaleza Viva

Tradesman Brewing Co.

Freehouse Brewery

Palmetto Brewing Company’s Local 843 Series, Island Wit

Brewing Co.’s Boy King Imperial IPA

Panama Calling
Holy City Brewing’s limited-run Casco Viejo (named after Panama City’s historic district) is back for a second time. The French saison is brewed with coconut and lactose, resulting in a sudsy take on a piña colada that packs an 8.8-percent-ABV punch. Head to the brewery for a pint, but don’t wait too long—it might be history itself in a month. www.holycitybrewing.com

Rose-Colored Glasses
“We call it ‘Pink Squirt’ since the first few drops that come out of the tap are pink,” says Arthur Lucas of Freehouse Brewery. The wild house yeast blend is brewed in North Charleston with organic hibiscus and zest from organic tangerines and lemons, resulting in a pleasingly tart saison that’s a little bit tangy and a little bit fruity. Try some on tap at the brewery overlooking the Ashley River, or purchase a bottle-conditioned variation to take home. www.freehousebeer.com

Anchors Up
Released in batches every few months, COAST Brewing Co.’s Boy King Imperial IPA has subtle peach, pineapple, mango, and citrus flavors. It’s smooth enough to easily put a few back, but this beer’s 9.7-percent ABV means it isn’t for lightweights. Look for cans where COAST products are sold, or enjoy a pint at the brewery’s tasting room, where some casks include fresh peaches, mangos, and apricots. www.coastbrewing.com

A Brew of Art
A collaboration between Revelry Brewing and Asheville’s Burial Beer Co., Naturaleza Viva is a bottle-conditioned fruited saison made with prickly pear and hibiscus. This Mexican-influenced beer was inspired by Frida Kahlo’s “strength in the face of adversity and cavalier approach to her work.” At least, that’s what the label—artfully designed by Revelry’s creative director, Chris Kemp—says. In any case, pick up a 22-ounce bottle at Revelry’s brewery on Conroy Street. www.revelrybrewingco.com

Bali High
One might not expect a stout to make anyone’s summertime list. But the folks at Tradesman Brewing Co. on James Island didn’t get the memo. Shift Change, their coffee stout (6.5-percent ABV) is warm-weather friendly. It’s pale in color and brewed with Kudu Coffee’s Bali Roast. Sample this cold pint of “Joe” at the taproom, or leave with a growler to enjoy later. www.tradesmanbrewing.com

Island Time
Adding to Palmetto Brewing Company’s Local 843 Series, Island Wit starts off with hints of banana and finishes with dry orange and coriander. Fans of Blue Moon will be pleased: this refreshing take on an American white ale is citrusy without overdoing it and measures at a cool 4.5-percent ABV. Pick up a six-pack or head to the brewery for a taste. www.palmettobrewery.com